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Writing for the Associated Press, Joe Reichler reported on the eve of the 1960 World Series that the Milwaukee Braves were prepared to part with pitchers Joey Jay, Carlton Willey and Don Nottebart, outfielder Billy Bruton, shortstop Johnny Logan, first baseman Frank Torre and cash to pry Banks from the Cubs. The deal never materialized.
During Banks' career, the Cubs were rarely in contention despite his brilliance. They failed to finish in the first division every season until late in his career. Consequently, Banks holds the Major League record of most games played without a postseason appearance (2528).
Banks appeared in the film A Glimpse of Greatness-The Story of Ken Hubbs, in which he honors the late Cubs' second baseman. A DVD version is available by visiting www.kenhubbs.org.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Banks operated the Ernie Banks Ford car dealership on Stony Island Avenue in Chicago.
Banks made a guest appearance in the eighth season episode "Dancing with Weezie" of the sitcom Married... with Children, appearing in a new sports bar in Chicago.
In June 2006, Crain's Chicago Business reported that Banks was part of a group looking into buying the Chicago Cubs, in case the Tribune Company decided to sell the club.
Banks established his own charity, the Live Above & Beyond Foundation, to eliminate prejudice, support programs that enhance neighborhoods and relieve discrimination among various age groups and races. In 2008, Banks released a charity wine called Ernie Banks 512 Chardonnay, a nod to his 512 career home runs, with all of his proceeds donated to his foundation.
Banks is the great-uncle of former Chicago Bulls point guard Acie Law IV. and the uncle of former major league catcher Bob Johnson. He is also the second cousin of O.J. Simpson.
Banks, along with Johnny Bench and Frank Robinson appeared on Yes Dear as disgruntled players because Big Jimmy (played by Jerry Van Dyke) had stolen the team equipment from the Buffalo Bisons over 30 years ago.
Despite his advancing age, in late 2008 Banks and his wife, Liz Banks, adopted a daughter. He currently lives in the Los Angeles area.
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